Meaningful ways to include guests in your wedding ceremony
Making your Sunshine Coast ceremony an inclusive celebration!
Add warmth and sentiment to your ceremony by including your cherished guests in these sweet ways:
Hey there lovebirds!
As a Sunshine Coast celebrant who's had the absolute pleasure of uniting hundreds of beautiful couples, I'm thrilled to share some of my favourite ways to make your ceremony not just a moment to witness, but a celebration for everyone to cherish! Let's dive into these heartwarming ideas that will have your guests feeling like they're part of your ceremony.
The Modern "I Do" Crowd
Gone are the days when we simply asked for Dad's permission and blessing for “this woman to be married to this man”! Today, we're about involving ALL your beautiful guests in the most meaningful way. I absolutely adore asking guests if they'll support you both with their love and friendship, and their resounding "We do!" always brings fun and happiness into your ceremony vibe!
Making it official with love
When it comes to those all-important signatures, why not think outside the box? Typically, your Best Man and Maid of Honour are your witnesses. However, your witnesses can be anyone over 18, so imagine the joy on your Mum’s or Grandma's face if you ask her to sign your marriage certificate! It's these thoughtful touches that make ceremonies extra special.
Your grand entrance
Let's talk about your show-stopping aisle moment! Traditionally, your doting Dad walks you down the aisle. But traditions are evolving. Whether it's both your parents, your adorable children, your sibling or your bestie by your side, make it uniquely yours. And how about Nick above? Just look at proud he is walking down the aisle with his beautiful Mum on his wedding day at Flaxton Gardens!
Heritage and heart
Oh, how I love when couples incorporate their family history! From displaying vintage wedding photos of cherished family members on your signing table to creating beautiful family trees in your wedding day program, it's pure magic. And don't get me started on cultural traditions! This topic needs its own blog post! Recently, I married the most wonderful Polish-Greek couple, and blending their traditions with crowns and bread blessings was absolutely divine!
Your wedding ring journey
Here's a precious idea that always has guests buzzing, a ring warming ceremony. Watching your rings travel from guest to guest, each adding their silent blessing, creates such a beautiful energy. And speaking of rings, why not have your sweet grandparents present them to you both with a big hug during your ceremony? Trust me, there won't be a dry eye in the house and they’ll be honoured with this special role! Another adorable ring bearer idea…your children!
Comfort is key
Taking good care of your guests' comfort is everything! Consider cozy blankets for those cool evenings, parasols for sunny days, and refreshing treats to keep everyone comfortable, especially water on hot summer days. I can’t get enough of the woodland picnic theme one of my recent couples chose, complete with fluffy blankets and adorable picnic baskets filled with goodies for their guests to enjoy while they enjoyed their bridal photoshoot.
The magic touch
It’s these thoughtful details that transform your ceremony from lovely to absolutely unforgettable, meaningful and inclusive. When your nearest and dearest feel truly included, the love and joy in the air become absolutely electric! Every time I see families come together in these special ways, my heart just does a little dance. There's nothing quite like a wedding that wraps everyone in love!
Throughout my years as a Marriage Celebrant, my couples and I have found numerous fun and creative ways to make our guests feel more than just witnesses to a beautiful marriage, but truly involved and part of a magical moment in time. The end result is an engaging ceremony, inclusive of your loved ones.
If you’d like to explore more creative ways to make your wedding ceremony interesting and unique, contact me to chat on Zoom!